Summary#
This bill would make the Canada jay the official national bird of Canada. It is a symbolic law that names the species but does not change any other rules.
- Declares the Canada jay (also known as the grey jay or “whiskey jack”) as Canada’s national bird.
- Does not create any new programs, rules, or penalties.
- Does not change hunting, conservation, or wildlife laws.
- Gives the federal government a clear bird symbol it may use in education, tourism, and branding.
- Recognizes the bird’s cultural ties, including names used by First Peoples.
What it means for you#
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General public
- No action needed. You may see the Canada jay used more often in federal websites, displays, or events.
- Schools and museums may feature the bird more in lessons and exhibits.
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Hunters and anglers
- No change to seasons, licences, or protections. The bill does not add special legal status.
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Indigenous communities
- The preamble notes traditional names and stories (such as the Cree word wîskicahk), but the bill does not create new rights or programs.
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Tourism and businesses
- You may choose to use the Canada jay in marketing, souvenirs, or events. There is no requirement to change any materials.
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Governments and agencies
- May update imagery or educational materials over time, but there is no mandate to rebrand or replace existing items.
Expenses#
Estimated annual cost: minimal to none for the federal government.
- No new programs or enforcement.
- Possible small, one-time costs if agencies choose to add the Canada jay to websites, displays, or promotional materials.
- Any coin or stamp designs featuring the bird would come from existing budgets and normal design cycles.
Proponents' View#
- Gives Canada a national bird like other countries have, filling a symbolic gap.
- The Canada jay fits the country well: it lives year-round across all provinces and territories and thrives in cold.
- The species is not endangered or hunted, so the choice avoids management conflicts.
- A clear national bird can support education, tourism, and pride in nature.
- Acknowledges cultural links, including long-standing names and stories used by First Peoples.
Opponents' View#
- Primarily symbolic and not a priority compared with other issues.
- Even small updates to imagery can take time and money.
- Some people may prefer a different bird and could dispute the choice.
- Concerns that national symbols should follow broader public consultation.
- Might cause confusion if people assume the bird now has special legal protections when it does not.